ABOUT US
FROM SWEDEN TO LUCCA - THE JOURNEY TO OUR PARADISE
Villa Buonvisi is owned by the Swedish Mattsson family who, by pure coincidence, discovered the villa and instantly fell in love — with the property itself, its history, the surrounding countryside, and the feeling of the place as a whole.
We quickly saw its great potential and felt that Villa Buonvisi was simply too special not to be shared. We wanted others to experience this hidden gem, just as we had.
Together, we decided to create a destination with a true home-away-from-home feeling. A place where guests can explore, enjoy, slow down, and celebrate life.
Every day, we put love and passion into what we do, so you can experience a stay that feels personal, genuine, and thoughtfully tailored to you.
BENVENUTI!
IDA & THE BUONVISI TEAM
OUR PRODUCTION
Wine, olive oil, and growing with passion are at the very heart of life at Villa Buonvisi. Our vineyard is planted mainly with Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Trebbiano, and Chardonnay grapes, and today we produce approximately 20,000 liters of wine together with our winemaker, Manuel Pulcini.
On the hills behind Villa Buonvisi, you will find our beautiful olive grove, home to more than 1,000 ancient olive trees. During the harvest season in October and November, the olives are picked by hand and transformed into our own extra virgin olive oil. It is something we are incredibly proud of and deeply happy to produce and share with our guests.
THE BUONVISI HISTORY
1500-CENTURY CHARM
Villa Buonvisi takes its name from the Buonvisi family, one of the most powerful and influential families in Lucca. The family built their wealth through banking and the silk trade, becoming one of the city’s leading families between the 13th and 17th centuries. At their height, the Buonvisi owned as many as 20 villas, palaces, and farms within and around Lucca’s city walls.
After carefully searching for a location with fertile land and good hunting opportunities, they found the perfect setting on the southwestern slopes outside the city. In the mid-15th century, the Buonvisi family began building the Villa Buonvisi estate, planting olive trees and vines, and establishing it as one of their summer and hunting residences.
The villa was sold by the Buonvisi family in the early 19th century, after which it passed through several different owners. During World War II, the property was fortified by German forces. It is also said that Napoleon Bonaparte occasionally visited Villa Buonvisi, as his sister Elisa Bonaparte — Princess of Lucca and Grand Duchess of Tuscany — lived just a stone’s throw away.
We deeply love Villa Buonvisi’s unique, 500-year-old history. It gives the villa its unmistakable charm and soul. We are passionate about preserving this heritage and sharing it with our guests, and we hope you will love it as much as we do.